Microfilm reader



Nov. 28, 1967 L. A. sMlTzER r-:TAL 3,354,776

MICROFILM READER I Filed Nov. 2o, 1964 llsheetsneet 1 IIEEJEEEEEQ A'I'TORNISYS Nov. 28, 1967 1 A sMrrzER ETAL 3,354,776

MI CROFILM READER A TTORNE YS NOV- 28, 1967 v l.. A. sMlTzER ETAL.3,354,776

MI CROFILM READER Filed Nov. 20, 1964 1l Sheets-Sheet Andrea/I./ojzdlia*v A TT( )RNE YS l.. A. sMlTzER ETAL 3,354,776

Nov; 28, 1967 MICROFILM READER ll Sheets-Sheet G Filed Nov. 20, 1964 QN.www

Nov. 28, 1967 l.. A. sMlTzER ETAL 3,354,776

MICROFILM READER Filed Nov. 2o, 1964 11 sheets-sheet v A TTORNEYS Nov.28, 1967 L. A, sMlTzER ETAL 3,354,776

MICROFILM READER Filed Nov. 20, 1964 11 Sheets-Sheet 9 mwN S2325, omw nQM NWN.

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N0v.28, 1967 L A SM1TZER E'TAL 3,354,776

MICROFILM READER 11 sheets-sheet 1o Filed NOV. 20, 1964 W l Z0! /N VENTO/Qs L azgzgs A ffza'zef zzdfewf. l/ofzclzzaf @Qffgz' Cct w m W s A7 7ORN] 5 q United States Patent O 3,354,776 MICROFILM READER Louis A.Smitzer, Chicago, Andrew I. Yohana, Skokie, and Daniel D. Call, ElkGrove, Ill., assignors to Bell & Howell Company, Chicago, Ill., acorporation of Illinois Filed Nov. 20, 1964, Ser. No. 412,620V 18Claims. (Cl. 88-24) ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE A high-speed microfilmreader is disclosed Ihaving an optical system incorporating a continuouszoom lens and a dove prism, thereby affording selected magnificationfrom 20X to 40X and continuous image rotation through 360 degrees. Thereader is adapted to receive a no-rewind-type cartridge loaded with rollmicrofilm and to drive the film therethrough at variable speeds. Throughelectromagnetic clutches, the film may be selectively driven at a slowscanning rate by a low-speed motor and at variable higher speeds by ahigh-speed motor having lowand high-speed windings. The improvedcartridge has an aperture plate integral therewith so that the cartridgemay be removed from the reader and replaced by another cartridge withthe film at any position without the need to rewind or thread the film.The film ends are attached to the spindles by two-piece hubs havingcenters spaced less than twice the radial dimension of the accumulatedfilm. Each of the hubs is comprises of an inner core having a fiat sideand a C-shaped shell with a complementary fiat portion for clamping thefilm between the core and shell.

This invention relates generally to information storage and retrievalmethods and apparatus and more specifically relates to a high speedretrieval device which features the utilization of a no-rewind cartridgeeliminating an operators need to thread film or to rewind the film afterreference has been made to any given document appearing in the form of amicro image on the film and further characterized by the utilization ofa continuously variable zoom lens system whereby the magnification of animage may be varied from 20X to 40X while precision focus is maintainedthroughout the entire range.

Briefly described, it is contemplated by the present invention thatthere be utilized in a microfilm reader a cartridge comprising anintegral container providing its own film aperture plate and in which aspool of mirofilm can be stored or used merely by snapping the cartridgeover the spindles of the reader transport apparatus. By keeping the limin the cartridge, the two hubs of the cartridge may be spaced apart lessthan twice the radial dimension of the accumulated film. Thus, there iscompletely eliminated any necessity for the operator to thread the filmor to rewind the film after reference has been made to any specificmicro image on the film. Moreover, the integral cartridge containeroffers positive protection of the film. In actual usage, cartridges holdas much as 170 feet of .003 film which never leaves the cartridge.

It is also contemplated that the reader of the present invention utilizea continuously variable zoom lens system for varying the magnificationof an image from 20X to 40X and maintaining precision focus throughout.Thus, lens changes for images recorded at different reduction ratios arecompletely eliminated and by the provision of finger tip control, theoperator can adjust to an image of any reduction of magnify hard to readfilm.

The lens system of the present invention is also characterized by theutilization of a dove prism whereby the image can be rotated a full 360at any time. Brightness control is used to compensate for varying linevoltage and for variable magnification.

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It is an'object of the present invention, therefore, to provide animproved high speed retrieval device for use in retrieving and lookingup micro images recorded on spooled microfilm.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rio-rewindcartridge for a microfilm reader.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridgeaffording selected reverse traverse in either direction in a minimumlength of time, thereby contributing to speedy look-up of retrievedmicro image material.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a readerwith a continuously variable zoom lens system.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a lenssystem for a microfilm reader wherein the image in the screen can berotated a full 360 at any time.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide variableillumination for a microfilm reader, thereby contributing to additionaloperator comfort.

Many other features, advantages and additional objects of the presentinvention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon makingreference to the detailed description which follows and to theaccompanying sheets of drawings in which preferred structural embodimentof a reader incorporating the principles of the present invention isshown by way of illustrative example.

On the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a reader incorporating the principlesof the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on line II-II of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the no-rewind cartridge of the presentinvention with the cover removed to illustrate additional details ofconstruction;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view and -FIGURE 4a is afragmentary side sectional View of the cartridge of FIGURE 3 positionedon the loading deck of the reader and illustrating additional details ofconstruction of the no-rewind cartridge;

FIGURE '5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view with .parts shown inelevation taken generally on line V-V of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary view illustrating lhow conventionally spooledfilm may be reloaded in the cartridge of the present invention;

FIGURE 7 is -a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally on lineVII-VII of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional View of the lens system provided inaccordance with the principles iof the present invention;

FIGURE 9 is an exploded view illustrating the components of thecontinuous variable magnification zoom ens;

FIGURE 10 is a chart identifying the optical data of the lensesillustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9;

FIGURE l1 is a top plan View with parts broken away showing the motordrive system for the film transport apparatus incorporated in the readerof FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 12 is a side elevational view of the mechanism of FIGURE 11;

FIGURE 13 is a somewhat enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally online XIII-XIII of -FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 14 is a schematic Wiring diagram illustrating the controlcircuitry for the reader of the present invention;

FIGURE 15 shows the front of a screen with a stripe look-up indexingarrangement;

FIGURE 16 shows an alternative indexing scale utilizing a letterdesignator and two decade number index; and

FIGURE 17 shows a three-scale multiple letter index.

As shown on the drawings:

' The reader of the present invention is shown generally at 20 andcomprises a cabinet 21 having a top wall 22,. opposed side walls 23, arear wall 24 and a front wall 26, as well as a bottom wall 27.

The front wall 26 is particularly characterized by a frame forming anopening in which is positioned a screen 28cornprising a dark greenplastic sheet with one side polished and one side matte surface.Although the screen 28 may be mounted with the matte side in or out, itis. frequentlyl used in practice with the matte side in, therebyavoiding any trace of a ghost image which may appear because of a lightreliection from the polished side back into the optical track and thenceby reflection back to' the screen.

A'hood 29 projects forwardly from the front wall 26 thereby providingappropriate shielding for the screen 28..

Projecting from the front wall 26 below the level of the: screen 28 isan enclosure or housing shown generally iat 30'. The housing 30 has abottom wall 31 and a top wall. 32 which forms a control deck forreceiving and position-- ing a no-rewind cartridge provided inaccordance with.

the principles of the present invention and shown gen-A erally at 33.The forwardmost wall of the housing 30' constitutes a hinged door 34connected by hinges 36 to the bottom wall 31, thereby affording accessto the interior of the housing 30.

The deck 32 terminates in an offset vertically extending Wall 37,thereby forming an enlarged recess for a lens system shown generally at3S. A horizontally extending wall 39 terminates in an inclined fasciastrip 4% adapted to carry the indicia of an index system shown generallyat 41.

An electric light source 42 is shown in the housing 30| near the accessdoor 34 and projects rays of light against an angularly inclined mirror43 which is in register with lenses shown at 44. A light source mirror46 is angularly inclined and projects upwardly from the deck 32 inregister with the lenses 44, thereby to project the light forwardlytowards the vertical wall 37 and through the lensf system 38. The lightthen impinges upon a mirror 4T carried on a bracket 48 mounted withinthe interior of the cabinet 21. From the mirror 47, the light isprojected against another -angularly inclined movable mirror 49 which ispositioned by means of a linkage 50 -between a full line position and adotted line position, as shown in FIGURE 2 by means of an actuatinghandle 51 having a pivot axle 52 projecting out of one of the side walls23.

When the mirror `49 is in the full line position, the light is projectedonto the back of the screen 28 for viewing by the operator.

Facsimile copy may be prepared by swinging the handle 51 towards theoperator, whereupon the mirror 49 will be pivoted out of the way and thelight will then be projected to -a glass platen 53 on the top of themachine which may constitute the image plane of any copying apparatus.

It will be noted that the bottom wall 31 of the housing 30 is providedwith spaced feet 54 and the bottom wall 27 of the cabinet 21 is providedwith, spaced feet 56, thereby to firmly support the reader 20 lon anysuit-able support surface such as a table top herein shown at 57.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, it iscontemplated that there be utilized with the reader 20 a no-rewindcartridge which affords speed, simplicity and security to theutiliz-ation of microfilm storage retrieval and viewing since thecartridge eliminates the need to thread film and to rewind the filmafter any specific document has been retrieved. The cartridge of thepresent invention is shown generally .at 6ft and comprises essentially abody 6l (FIGURE 3) including a bottom wall 62 and upstandlng side walls63. A cover 64 is snapremovable on the body 61 without the use of toolsand to effect that end,r the body is provided with a plurality 'Y ofsockets 66 arranged to receive mating snap-in pins oarried by the covermember 64.

In overall configuration, the body is somewhat triangular in appearancebut having rounded corners adjacent the base leg. At the upper 'apicalportion of the cartridge, there is provided a pair of spaced guiderollers l68 and 69 journaled on appropriate pin axles shown at 70 and 71respectively. Extending generally across the area between the guiderollers 68 and 69 there is forrned -an aperture plate shown generally at'72. Extending rearwardly from the aperture plate 72 and into theinterior of the cartridge 60 is ya frame 73 which is adapted to receivethe light source mirror 46 for projection of the light rays through theaperture 74 formed on the aperture plate 72.

The body 61 contains two loose cores and shells for attaching the endsof the film. More specifically, the core and shell construction isillustrated in FIGURE 6 taken in conjunction with FIGURE 3. It will benoted that the outer shell, designated at 76, constitutes ya generallyC- shaped article having an inner core-receiving recess 77 formed with aflat chordal wall 7 8 at the bight portion of the C-shaped articleopposite an Iopening 79 formed between the opposed spaced ends of theshell 76.

The core member has curved end walls Sti and fiat side walls 81, as Wellas a central bore 82 formed with a key notch 33 ou one side forcooperative engagement with a spindle.

In order to attach the end of the lm to the core and shell, the free endof a film, herein shown at F, is merely looped around the core walls S0,81 whereupon the C-shaped shell 76 is slid over the outside of thewrapped film end, thereby clamping the end of the film in fir-m assemblywith the core.

The cover 64 as well as the lower wall 62. of the cartrdge 6i) isappropriately relieved to provide a piloting location for the core andshell.

In order to load film into a cartridge 6l), as provided in accordancewith the principles of the present invention, three methods may be used.Either the cartridge may be loaded at the reader from standard spools offilm, or the cantridge 6i) may be loaded at the reader 20 from filmprewound on cores by a process station or, lastly, the cartridge 66 maybe loaded at the process station and supplied to the user.

For winding at the machine, a winding disk, as shown in FIGURES 6 and 7,at 84 is provided which winding disk 84 is placed over one of thespindles. A spool of film F is placed on the left-hand spindle afterverifying readability of the image by projecting while the film is heldagainst the rollers 68 and 69. After determining readability, the spoolis placed over the left-hand spindle and the end of the film is attacheddirectly to the core 80,` 81 by use of lthe shell 76 on the right-handspindle. The film may then be wound onto the core and shell at highspeed whereupon the film and empty spool are then lifted from thespindles and separated and the coiled lm is placed on the right side ofa cartridge body 61. At this point, if the film F were unwound, it wouldunwind clockwise from the leftside of the coil. The film then threadedthrough the aperture plate 72, attached to a core and shell and placedon the left side of the cartridge. The cover is then snapped in placeand the cartridge is then ready for either storage or retrieval yandusage with the reader 20. If it is desired to rewind the film back to aspool, the process is reversed.

It will be understood that if the film is wound at a process station, itmust be attached to a core and shell and wound properly for insertion onthe right-hand spindle and the loose end may then be attached to asecond core.

In order to mount the cartridge 6i) in proper alignment on the deck 32,two dowel pins are utilized. A first dowel pin is shown at 86 (FIGURE 5)and is located in an aperture 87 formed in the deck 32, the lower end ofthe dowel pin 86 being press fitted Iand riveted as at 88, to lock thedowel pin in a fixed position. The upper end of the pin 86 engages thewalls of a locating recess 85 formed in the cartridge 60.

The second dowel pin is shown at 91 and is characterized by theprovision of a threaded stem 92 which threadedly engages the internallythreaded walls of a boss 93 formed in the cartridge body 61. The end ofthe threaded portion of the dowel pin has a socket as at 94 to permitadjustment by an appropriate tool such as a Bristol Wrench. The otherend forms an Iabutment surface 90 and engages the deck 32. By virtue ofsuch provision, the cartridge may be properly aligned so that theaperture 74 of the aperture pla-te 72 is in proper register with thelight source mirror and housing assembly 46 and the lens `system 38.

It will be noted that the aperture plate 72 has a central embossedportion 96 and two oppositely extending retainer wings 97 and 98provided with appropriate apertures so that a fastener 99 such as ascrew may be extended through the retainer wings 97 and 98 to fasten theapertures plate 72 in firm assembly with the frame 73 of the cartridgebody 61.

The peripheral surface of the guide rollers 68 and 69 lies in plan-aralignment with the surface prescribed by t-he embossment 96 so that thelilm when trained over the guide rollers 68 and 69 will be disposed inproper planar alignment and with minimum surface contact at the plane ofthe aperture plate 72.

To insure proper disposition of the ilm F in the til-m plane, t-he deck32 carries a bracket 100 retained to the deck 32. by means of -a pair offasteners such as screws 101. The bracket 100 carries =a pair of spacedleaf springs 102, 102, each connected to the bracket 100 by a screwfastener 103. 'Phe springs 102 retain pins 95 which resi-liently engagethe front wall of cartridge body 61. Two studs 105 are located in yanaperture 115a formed in a plate 115 fastened to the deck 32 by screws101a, the lower end of the studs being press titted land riverted `tolock the studs in a fixed position. An upstanding roller 106 projectsupwardly from the ange of stud 105 and is situated opposite the recessformed between the embossment 96 and the extension 97 and a secondroller 107 is similarly situated opposite the recess formed between theembossment 96 and the extension 98 of the aperture plate 72. Theperipheral surfaces of the yrollers 106 and 107 are in planar alignmentand are so situated relative to the plane prescribed by the embossment96 as to further assist in holding the film F in proper positionrelative to the light source mirror 46 and the lens system 38.

After a cartridge 60 is placed on the deck 32 and the ilm F is trainedover the aperture plate 72, any -micro images appearing on the film inregister with the aperture plate will be projected into the lens system38. The details of the lens system are illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9yand will be understood in conjunction with a comparison to FIGURE 2. Amounting bracket 108 is securely fastened to the cabinet 21 and embracesa generally cylindrical housing 109 in which are located the variouslens elements of the lens system.

It is contemplated by the present invention that any image may berotated 360 and that the control for effecting such image rotation belocated at the front of the reader convenient to the ready access of theoperator. To effect such image rotation, there is provided an internalprism shown at 110 and comprising a so-called dove prism mounted in acarrier 111 keyed as at 112 to a rotatable adjustment ring 113 having aknurled actuator portion 114 which extends upwardly through an aperture116 formed in the horizontal wall 38 at the center of the machine.v Thecarrier has pin and recess detent means affording four click stops foreach 90 of image rotation and it will be noted that the carrier 111 hasa recess 117 in which is received a ball 118 spring-loaded by acontinuous biasing means such as a coil spring 119, the other end ofwhich is bottomed against a screw 120.

The single lens assembly 38 contains focus, image rotation and zoom, orvariable magnification. The zoom adjustment knob is shown at 121 at theleft-hand side of the control panel on the vertical wall 37. The knob121 is drivingly connected either by gearing or an appropriate beltassembly to an adjustment ring 122 which is in control of the axiallyadjustable components of the optical elements. The various lens membersare carefully aligned and locked in the housing 109 in the factory andare not ordinarily adjusted in the lield except insofar as the movableelement of the zoom lens combination is adjustably moved in use.

It is contemplated that the variable magnification or zoom range will befrom 20X to 40X and a square image is produced on the screen 28 at amagnification of 24X. It has been found in practice that a distortion ofless than plus or minus 4% is evidenced at each end of the range using avariable magnification lens system of 20X to 40X To identify a typicallens combination, a chart of optical data is set forth in FIGURE l0 andeach of the corresponding elements identified in that chart is referredto by a corresponding number in FIGURE 9 wherein the lens elements areshown removed from the lens assembly for purposes of readyidentification.

Because of the size of the total lens assembly, the end of the housingis recessed at 123, thereby providing a mount received in a ring band124 carried by lock nut adjustment means shown generally at 126 (FIGURE2) fastened to an appropriate bracket 127 in the cabinet 21. The bracket108 may be pivotally carried on a pivot pin 128, thereby permitting thelens assembly to be properly mounted in the cabinet 21 for opticalprealignment relative to the remainder of the optical track includingthe mirrors 43, 44, 47 and 49.

In order to effect focusing of the lens assembly 38, a focus knob 130 islocated on the control panel on the righthand side of the vertical wall37 and has a driving connection via a belt drive to a focus ring 131.Focus is accomplished by rotating the knob 130, thereby screwing theprime lens in or out. Ordinarily, it should not be necessary to refocuswhen switching cartridges 60 unless emulsions on the film F are onopposite sides.

Film movement is controlled by a control knob 132 on the right-hand sideof the machine projecting upwardly from the deck 32 at the controlpanel, a control dial 133 being situated on the deck 32 circumjacent theknob 132. Although the knob and control dial may be positioned with offat either l2, 3, 6 or 9 oclock, a standard arrangement is to locate theolf position at 12 oclock when viewed from the top. Thus, when orientedfor horizontal motion, movement of the knob 132 to the left(counterclockwise) will move the screen image to the left and, viceversa, movement of the knob 132 to the right (clockwise) will move thescreen image to the right.

The control dial 133 is symmetrical about the off position andpreferably is calibrated in terms of a low variable speed, a stop, and ahigh speed. The low speed is slow enough to afford easy readability ofthe image on the screen, whereas at high speed, the film F will betransported at such a rate as to move approximately 100 feet of lm inabout 15 seconds.

Referring to FIGURES 11-13 in conjunction with the schematic wiringdiagram of FIGURE 14, it will be noted that the machine is provided withan on-olf switch 135, shown located on the right-hand side of the frontwall 26 in FIGURE l. The switch 135 has three positions, an offposition, a drive position and a lamp position. In the off position, itwill be noted the circuitry to the power source is broken and none ofthe control components of the reader 20 are energized.

In the so-called drive position, the power source is energized and itwill be noted there is provided a pair of motors 137, 137 each connectedby a suitable driving connection 138 to a corresponding fan or blower139. The motor-blower units 137, 138, 139 are suitably situated withinthe cabinet 21 and are used to circulate a stream of cooling air throughthe cabinet and particularly the housing 30 in order to remove heatgenerated by the light source 42. 4

The single control knob 132 operates to provide the mechanical drivethrough appropriate mechanical drive connections shown at 134 for thevarious components of the system. Thus, it is contemplated that there beprovided a low speed motor 136 which will run continuously vand a highspeed motor 137 which will be operated selectively. Also, electricclutches are provided including a spindle clutch 138 and a spindleclutch 139 and a low speed clutch 140.

In order to provide direct current for use in energizing the clutches, arectifier 141 is provided connected in circuit With a variable directcurrent power pack or power supply 142 such as that comerciallyavailable under the trade name StatotroL The control knob 132 isconnected to the movable ele- =ment 143 of an adjustable potentiometer144 and is also connected to a series of control switches indicated atS1, S2, S3 and S4. Thus, by turning the knob 132 either to the left orto the right at approximately 7 of angular movement away from the offposition, spindle clutch 138 or spindle clutch 139 is cut in. At offposition the low speed clutch 140 and the slow motor 136 are both 011,and a relay 146 controlled by switch S1 operates to cut out the highspeed motor 137. This occurs by the actuation of switch 136 to onposition.

At approximately of angular movement of the adjustment knob 132, one ofthe corresponding spindle clutches 138 or 139 is cut out, as well as theslow motor clutch 140.

Then, as the knob 132 is adjusted between aproximately 15 and 105 ofangular motion, variable speeds are attained by adjust-ment of themovable member 143 of the potentiometer 144, thereby varying theenergization of the low speed vwndings of the high speed motor 137.

At 105 of angular movement, the top limit of the slow motor 136 isattained and that motor is shut od by disengaging the main shaft slowmotor clutch 140. A 5 detent stop position is then provided and at 110of angular motion, the high speed motor 137 is picked up. Between 110and 120 of motion, an override functions, thereby transporting the filmat high speeds.

Referring more specifically to FIGURE 13, it will be noted that aspindle is provided at 150 and has a spindle key 151 spring-biasedradially outwardly thereof for engagement with a corresponding spool ora corresponding core and shell as provided in accordance with theprinciples of the` present invention. The spindle 150 extends through anaperture 152 formed in the deck 32.

Below the level of the deck 32 there is provided a housing 153 havingspaced bearing means 154 and 156 for journaling a spindle shaft 157. Thespindle 151i is connected to the spindle shaft 157 by means of a dragbrake drum 158. The tension on the drag brake drum 158 may be varied byadjusting a continuous biasing means 159'having one end bottomed againstan adjustable member 160 locked in adjusted position by a set screw 161mounted in a bracket 162 carried in firm assembly by the housing 153 bymeans of an adjustable screw 163.

The spindle shaft 157 is driven rotatably by a clutch assembly includinga first driving part 164 pinned to the spindle shaft 157 by a drivingpin 166 and having a radial clutch surface 167. The clutch surface 167engages with a driving gear 168 having teeeth 169 engaging with ahelical drive 1170 connected co-rotatably -with a main shaft 171.

The main shaft 171 is rotatably driven through a clutch having first andsecond parts 173 and 174 pinned to the shaft 171 as at 176 and 177. Apulley belt 178 is trained over the lclutch and is driven by a pulleyhub 179 connected to the drive shaft 180 of the high speed motor 137.

Thelow speed motor 136 has a drive shaft 181 which rotatably drives agear 182 in mesh with a mating gear 183 connected to the end of theshaft 171 through a coupling shown generally at 184.

In operation, the gear 168 is in free wheeling relationship to thespindle shaft 157. When the electric clutch rotor pulls down theclapper, 167, the spindle shaft 157 is then rotatably driven so that thespindle will be rotated.

The pulley 178 takes the form of a toothed timing pulley, therebyeliminating erratic action and moving the film smoothly and properlyacross the aperture plate 72.

By employment of the slip clutch, even though the high speed motor 137is in operation, as the ends of the film are neared, the rate oftransport will be slowed down, thereby preventing the film from slamminghome with possible detrimental effects to the apparatus and the film.

In order to control screen brightness, a brightness control knob 193 isprovided on the left-hand side of the machine and has three levels; low,medium and high. These settings correspond to three taps on atransformer 191 (FIGURE 14) connected in circuit with the light source42. Thus, the brightness control may be utilized to compensate forvarying line voltage and for variable magnification. At 40X, the screen28 is approximately onequarter of the brightness of 20X. Accordingly,the operator is afforded the opportunity of adjusting the brightness tosuit his requirements.

Referring now to FIGURE 15 in conjunction with FIG- URE 1, it will benoted means are provided affording a stripe look-up indexingarrangement. Generally, two methods of indexing may be used with themachine 20, either a roll diameter reference or a stripe look-up. A rolldiameter reference may be established by using reference marks relatedto the roll diameter in the cartridge 60. Such marks may be placed on atape adhered to a translucent window 200 in the cover 64 of thecartridge 60. For example, marks placed approximately one-eighth inchapart will represent approximately 500 image pages on the film F.

In the stripe look-up arrangement of FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 15, the stripesare read in relation to a scale xed on either side of the screen 28 forhorizontal motion, or on the bottom of the screen 28 for verticalmotion. The stripes may consist of one or more rows, depending upon thenumber of scales required. In FIGURE 1, the scale plate 41 is shownprovided with a plurality of slotted openings 201 through which extendfasteners 202 whereby the scale plate may be adjusted in reference tothe screen 28.

At opposite ends of the scale plate there is provided a synchronizationstripe 203. The synchronization stripes 203 are used for adjusting aprojected image to the proper scale length by using the continuouslyvariable zoom adjustment 121. Thus, when an image is projected on thescreen 28 corresponding limit stripes 204 will be projected on thescreen adjacent the image area and the stripes 204, 204 can be alignedwith respect to the sync stripes 203, 203, thereby insuring that theprojected image is at the proper scale length.

In thescale shown in FIGURES l and 15, there are two rows of indiciaconsisting of 26 letter indicia in a top row 206 and two separate banks207 and 208 of number indicia 0-9, inclusive, in the bottom row. A

lm stripe is shown at 209 on FIGURE 15 opposite theY location G6 Analternative scale arrangement is shown in FIGURE i6 where there isprovided three banks of designations m a single row consisting of analpha bank of 26 letters, a tens bank of numbers 1-9 and a units bank ofnumbers 1-9. Three exemplary film marking stripes 210a, 210]; and 210Care shown on the scale of FIG- URE 16 indicating a coded location of aspecific image at 868.

If additional index sites are desired or required, an index, as shown inFIGURE 17, may be provided wherein there are provided multiple bankseach containing multiple rows of indicia designators. In the exemplaryform of FIGURE 17, there is provided banks A, B and C each having threeseparate rowsof letters a, b and c. Ad-

ditionally, each row a, b and c has an indexing zone shown at 300consisting of three spaced segments. Thus, a code stripe on the filmwill be located in the index zone 300 of each bank A, B and C in orderto select the appropriate row and a second code stripe associated witheach bankA, B and C will be located opposite a correspondinglongitudinal position to designate the specific letter. In the exemplaryillustration of FIGURE 17, there' is designated the image bearing theidentification of LSPRS? In operation, a cartridge 60 is selected fromstorage and is snapped on into position on the control deck 32 byengagement with the spindles 150. Threading is unnecessary since thefilm extends across the aperture plate 72 and immediately registers withthe optical track,

thereby projecting an image on the screen 28 when the on-off switch 136is moved from the off position to the drive and to the lamp position.

If necessary, the focus knob 130 is adjusted to present a sharp focusand the sides of the image being viewed may be selectively adjusted byvariation of the continuously variable zoom adjustment 121. Thebrightness of the image may also be selectively adjusted throughmanipulation of the brightness control 190.

As soon as the image is projected on the screen, the particular image onthe screen will be identified by reference to the scale plate 41 and theoperator will immediately known which direction to transport the film inorder to get to the specific image being retrieved. Since rewinding isnot necessary, the operator has only a relatively small distance to goand the transport knob 132 is then selectively adjusted either to theleft or to the right to transport the film either at a low variablespeed, at a stop or at a high speed. If facsimile copy is desired, theswinging mirror 49 is adjusted out of the optical track by operatingthehandle 51 so that the image will be projected to a glass platen at thetop of the machine. When usage is completed of the cartridge 60, it ismerely removed from the deck 32 without the necessity of rewinding andreturned to storage.

Although minor modifications might be suggested by those versed in theart, it should be understood that we wish to embody within the scope ofthe patent warranted hereon all such modifications as reasonably andproperly come within the scope of our contribution to the art.

We claim as our invention:

.1. A microfilm reader comprising Y a cabinet having a verticallydisposed screen for viewing an image, l

i a light source in said cabinet,

and an optical track between said screen and said light sourcecomprising lens system for varying the magnification of the image whilemaintaining precision focus comprising continuously variablemagnification zoom lenses continuously adjustable axially and means foraxially adjusting said lenses for variable magnification between X and40X and a -rio-rewind cartridge for inserting a roll film intoprojecting relation with the optical track, said cartridge comprising anintegral container having upper, lower and side walls and including twohubs spaced apart less than twice the radial dimension of theaccumulated film and having means forming a film plane aperture throughwhich the film passes from one hub to the other.

. i 2. A microfilm reader as defined in claim 1 and further 4 screenthrough a full range of 360.

3. A microfilm reader as defined in claim 1, and electrical circuitmeans for energizing said light source iny,cluding a brightness controlcomprising a transformer having multiple taps for furnishing current tosaid light source at output voltages corresponding to different degreesof desired screen brightness.

4. A microfilm reader as defined in claim 1 and means for supplyingselected varying output voltage to said light source to compensate forvarying voltages, variable magnifications, different film densities andoperator preference.

5. A reader for viewing microfilm comprising a cabinet having an uprightviewing screen in a front wall thereof,

a lens system projecting forwardly and rearwardly through said frontwall below the level of said screen, a forwardly projecting housing onsaid cabinet for enclosing said lens system and forming a horizontalloading deck and control panel for said reader, a light source in saidhousing,

a mirror projection system in said housing and in said cabinet forprojecting rays of light from said light source to said screen includinga light source mirror in said deck aligned with said lens system,

a power driving means including two spindles projecting upwardly throughsaid deck,

and a film cartridge mounted on said two spindles and having a filmplane aperture registering with said light source mirror to projectimages appearing at said film plane aperture on said screen,

said lens system comprising continuously variable magnitication zoomlenses affording continuously variable magnification between 20X and40X.

6. A reader as defined in claim 5 and further characterized byadjustable control means for said light source to effect low, medium andhigh screen brightness, thereby compensating for varying voltage andmagnification as well as different film densities.

7. A reader as defined in claim 5 wherein said cartridge comprises ano-rewind cartridge for inserting a roll film into projecting relationwith the optical track,

said cartridge having integral upper, lower and side walls forming anintegral container and including two hubs spaced apart less than twicethe radial dimension of the accumulated film in the cartridge and havingmeans extending generally across the area between said two heads andforming a film plane aperture through which the film passes from one hubto the other.

S. A reader for viewing microfilm comprising a cabinet having an uprightviewing screen in a front wall thereof,

a lens system projecting forwardly and rearwardly through said frontwall below the level of said screen, a forwardly projecting housing onsaid cabinet for enclosing said lens system and forming a horizontalloading deck and control panel for said reader, a

light source in said housing,

a mirror projection system in said housing and in said cabinet forprojecting rays of light from said light Vsource to said screenincluding a light source mirror in said deck aligned with said lenssystem, a power driving means including two spindles projecting upwardlythrough said deck,

and a film cartridge mounted on said two spindles and having a filmplane aperture registering with said light source mirror to projectimages appearing at said film plane aperture on said screen, i

said lens. system including a dove prism for effecting 360 imagerotation,

and means for rotating said dove prism including detent means providingclick Vv'stops for every 90 of rotation.

9. A reader for viewing microfilm comprising a cabinet having an uprightviewing screenin a front wall thereof,

a lens system projecting forwardly and rearwardly through said frontwall below the level of said screen, a forwardly projecting housing onsaid cabinet for enclosing said lens system and forming a horizontal 1 1loading deck and control panel for said reader, a light source in saidhousing, a mirror projection system in said housing and in said cabinetfor projecting rays of light from said light source to said screenincluding a light source mirror 13. A core and shell fastening means fora nim cornprising a core having a spindle aperture therein, means onsaid core separablefrom said spindle for drivingly engaging saidspindle,

in said deck aligned with said lens system, a power n and a shellhavingk a recess therein for receiving the driving means including twospindles projecting upcore with the free end of a iilm wrapped thereonin wardly through said deck, clamping engagement, and a film cartridgemounted on said two spindles and Said Core and Said l'eCeSS havingComplementary flat having a iilm plane aperture registering with saidSurfaces thereon to prevent relative rotation therelight source mirrorto project images appearing at between said lrn plane vaperture on saidscreen, 14. A transport system for microiilm reader comprising, saidcartridge comprising a body, a loW Speed Inolor, a cover for said body,a high speed motor, snap removal mounting means connecting said cover 15a Palr of Spindle assemblles t0 bedrlven by Sald motors, to said body,and a control system for connecting said motors to said a pair of guiderollers in said cartridge, means forming Spindle aSSenblleS W 1l l1Continuously Var 1able Speed an aperture plate in said cartridge, and dlreenon Comprlslng, two loose cores and shells for attachment to theoppoa Single Control knob l'laVlng a Center SoP PoSllon,

site ends of a film to be stored in said cartridge, said and olroulrrleanS Controlled b y Said knob lnelndcores and shells together withone another forming l 1ng SWllelleS and a Potenilorneter 'fo 'ProVldehubs for engagement with a film driving power Varlable Slow Speed ofSald loW Speed motor source, with said high speed motor cut out, andmeans retaining said hubs on spaced rotational an addlllonal StopPoslllon between loW Speed axes, ano high speed positions of said knoband a the spacing dimension of Said axes being less than hlgh Speed 0fSad lllgh Speed motor Wltll Sald twice the radial dimension ofaccumulated ilm on y loW Speed motor out out said hubs, 1S. A transportsystem as defined in claim 14 wherein 10. For use in a microfilmreadereach of said spindle assemblies comprises a cartridge having abody, a Spindle, a cover for said body, a SPlndle Shaft snap `removalmounting means connecting Said Cover a drag brake means interconnectingsaid spindle shaft to said body, and the spindle, a pair of guiderollers in said Carridge, a gear ori said spindle shaft in free wheelingrelation, means forming an aperture plate in said cartridge exand aspindle clutch connected to said spindle shaft tending generally acrossthe area between said guide and engageable Wltll' Sald gear rollers overwhich the nlm is guided, and means to selectively drive said gears inselected a pair of hub assemblies each comprising, opposite dlreollonS,

a core and separable sneu for atachment to Oppo thereby to control thetransport of spooled microfilm site ends of a lm to be stored in saidcartridge, 40 between the SPlndleS, and means retaining said hubassemblies on spaced Said diag brake means Operatmg to Safeguard the lmrotational axes for engagement with a mm dri against undue stress nearthe end of travel of the ing power source, the spacing dimension of saidmm' axes being less than twice the radial dimension 16' trans'prtSystem. as clened m Clalm 14 ami a of accumulated lm on Said hubsno-rewind cartridge on said spindle assembly comprising 11. A mmCartridge compsing an integral container having upper, lower and sideupper and lower parallel walls separated by a side wall Wa-us andmcludmg twohubs spaced apart less than a pal-r of hubs extending betweenSaid u twice the radial dimension of the accumulated iilm para el Wallsand having means forming a film plane aperture an(l spaced from oneanother, through which the ilm passes fi'om one hub to the saidcartridge having means forming a film plane Othen aperture 17. Amicrolilm reader for looking up and reading mithe side wall being spacedoutwardly of said hubs croimages on spooled film by a code stripelook-Lip includon opposite sides less than twice the diameter ing codestripes on said film comprising a screen having of he mm spools a stripelook-up scale code comprising whereby iilm can be stored and used insaid cartridge a series of marks for denoting successive longitudinalwithout necessitating removal therefrom, Sections of 51m Strip in thereader each of said hubs comprising a core and shell each series ofmarks having two distinct compofastenlng means for the lllrn lnollldinga Core nents including two separate and distinct elehaving a spindleaperture formed therein, means ments consisting of 0n Said Coreseparable from Sald Spindle for an inner row having a series of letterindicia, and two drlVlnglY engaging Sad Spindle and a shell havseparatebanks of number indicia in ari-outer row, ing a recess for receiving thecore with the free whereby multiple marks on .the nlm strip whereby endof the lilm wrapped thereon in clamping when said film strip is movedrapidly in a given area relation, of view, said marks on the film stripwill appear opsaid core and said shell together forming a filni positecorresponding portions on said rows and hub and having complementaryaxially extendbanks to identify the location of adjacent images on ingabutment surfaces configured to rotate said the film strip. core andsaid shell in unison with one another. 18. A microfilm reader forlooking up and reading 12. A iilm cartridge as defined in claim 11wherein said microirnages on spooled film by a stripe look-up includingshell i's a C-shaped member and the surface of said recesssynchronization stripes on said film comprising fand said core engagethe film in clamping relation suba screen, stantially uniformlythroughout the circumference of the an optical track for projecting animage on the screen, complementary .surfaces of said core and saidrecess. a ,scale fixed on one side of the screen,

13 and a continuously variable zoom lens in said optical track,

said scale having -a pair of spaced synchronization i References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS 2,508,651 5/1950 Pratt et al. 242-74 2,569,91810/1951 Berggren 88-24 Halahan et al. 88-24 Brown et al 11G-124,2

Evraets 242-5511 Pratt et al 88-24 Gehring et al. 88-24 Howell 88-24Rosenthal 88-24 Shaffer 352-72 Easterly et al 352-72 Oiensend 88-24NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner.

RICHARD SHEER, Assistant Examiner.

1.A MICROFILM READER COMPRISING A CABINET HAVING A VERTICALLY DISPOSEDSCREEN FOR VIEWING AN IMAGE, A LIGHT SOURCE IN SAID CABINET, AND ANOPTICAL TRACK BETWEEN SAID SCREEN AND SAID LIGHT SOURCE COMPRISING LENSSYSTEM FOR VARYING THE MAGNIFICATION OF THE IMAGE WHILE MAINTAININGPRECISION FOCUS COMPRISING CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE MAGNIFICATION ZOOMLENSES CONTINUOUSLY ADJUSTABLE AXIALLY AND MEANS FOR AXIALLY ADJUSTINGSAID LENSES FOR VARIABLE MAGNIFICATION BETWEEN 20X AND 40X, AND ANO-REWIND CARTRIDGE FOR INSERTING A ROLL FILM INTO PROJECTING RELATIONWITH THE OPTICAL TRACK, SAID CARTRIDGE COMPRISING AN INTEGRAL CONTAINERHAVING UPPER, LOWER AND SIDE WALLS AND INCLUDING TWO HUBS SPACED APARTLESS THAN TWICE THE RADIAL DIMENSION OF THE ACCUMULATED FILM AND HAVINGMEANS FORMING A FILM PLANE APERTURE THROUGH WHICH THE FILM PASSES FROMONE HUB TO THE OTHER.